Recently published meeting minutes reveal O’Neill told the Celtic board the current squad isn’t strong enough to compete and urgently needs reinforcements, despite last season’s league-and-cup double.
When quizzed on why recruitment has been “so slow,” the minutes record Nicholson citing challenges dealing with agents and the difficulty of competing with Premier League and even Championship clubs.
He added that the club is actively pursuing out-of-contract players.
O’Neill is said to favor targeting younger signings, arguing they tend to have greater drive and ambition, fit Celtic’s development model, and are less influenced by wages.
The minutes also state Nicholson outlined a newly finalized long-term plan: to be Scotland’s top club, remain financially sound, and compete in Europe.
After a 1-1 draw with Shelbourne and a 4-1 loss to Sporting in pre-season, Celtic face Middlesbrough and AC Milan before opening their Premiership campaign against Dundee on 3 August.